Systems and methods for writing updates to and/or reading previously stored updates of assets implemented as smart contracts on a decentralized database

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for writing updates to and/or reading previously stored updates of assets that are implemented as smart contracts on a decentralized database are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: receive a first request, from a first client computing device associated with a first user, to write a first update to an individual asset, or to read one or more previously stored updates; transfer the first request to the decentralized database; responsive to transferring the first request, receive the first reference from the decentralized database; generate a second file and a second reference; store the second file on the content-addressable file system; and record the second reference in the state of the individual asset on the decentralized database.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates U.S. Pat. No. 10,412,086 in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for writingupdates to and/or reading previously stored updates of assets that areimplemented as smart contracts on a decentralized database.

BACKGROUND

Decentralized databases are known. Client computing devices are known.Ledgers are known. File systems are known, such as a file system on aclient computing device. Reading and writing files that are stored on afile system of a client computing device is known.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system configured forwriting updates to and/or reading previously stored updates of assetsthat are implemented as smart contracts on a decentralized database. Thesystem may include one or more hardware processors configured bymachine-readable instructions. The processor(s) may be configured toreceive a first request, from a first client computing device associatedwith a first user, to write a first update to an individual asset, or toread one or more previously stored updates to the individual asset. Theindividual asset may have a state. The state may include a firstreference to a first file on a content-addressable file system.Information included in the first file forms part of the state of theindividual asset. The processor(s) may be configured to transfer thefirst request to the decentralized database. The processor(s) may beconfigured to, responsive to transferring the first request, receive thefirst reference from the decentralized database. The first reference mayrefer to the first file on the content-addressable file system. In someimplementations, the processor(s) may be configured to obtain thereferenced file, as well as other files referenced thereby. In someimplementations, the processor(s) may be configured to generate a secondfile and a second reference. Contents of the second file may include thefirst update and the first reference to the first file. The secondreference may refer to the second file on the content-addressable filesystem. The processor(s) may be configured to store the second file onthe content-addressable file system. Storage may be based on the secondreference. The processor(s) may be configured to record the secondreference in the state of the individual asset on the decentralizeddatabase.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for writingupdates to and/or reading previously stored updates of assets that areimplemented as smart contracts on a decentralized database. The methodmay include receiving a first request, from a first client computingdevice associated with a first user, to write a first update to anindividual asset, or to read one or more previously stored updates tothe individual asset. The individual asset may have a state. The statemay include a first reference to a first file on a content-addressablefile system. Information included in the first file forms part of thestate of the individual asset. The method may include transferring thefirst request to the decentralized database. The method may include,responsive to transferring the first request, receiving the firstreference from the decentralized database. The first reference may referto the first file on the content-addressable file system. In someimplementations, the method may include obtaining the referenced file,as well as other files referenced thereby. In some implementations, themethod may include generating a second file and a second reference.Contents of the second file may include the first update and the firstreference to the first file. The second reference may refer to thesecond file on the content-addressable file system. The method mayinclude storing the second file on the content-addressable file system.Storage may be based on the second reference. The method may includerecording the second reference in the state of the individual asset onthe decentralized database.

As used herein, any association (or relation, or reflection, orindication, or correspondency) involving servers, processors, clientcomputing devices, requests, assets, states, updates, responses,references, files, hash values, hash functions, verifications,validations, and/or another entity or object that interacts with anypart of the system and/or plays a part in the operation of the system,may be a one-to-one association, a one-to-many association, amany-to-one association, and/or a many-to-many association or N-to-Massociation (note that N and M may be different numbers greater than 1).

As used herein, the term “obtain” (and derivatives thereof) may includeactive and/or passive retrieval, determination, derivation, transfer,upload, download, submission, and/or exchange of information, and/or anycombination thereof. As used herein, the term “effectuate” (andderivatives thereof) may include active and/or passive causation of anyeffect, both local and remote. As used herein, the term “determine” (andderivatives thereof) may include measure, calculate, compute, estimate,approximate, generate, and/or otherwise derive, and/or any combinationthereof.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured for writing updates to and/orreading previously stored updates of assets that are implemented assmart contracts on a decentralized database, in accordance with one ormore implementations.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate methods for writing updates to and/or readingpreviously stored updates of assets that are implemented as smartcontracts on a decentralized database, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate exemplary transactional diagrams of actions andtransactions performed in a system that facilitates writing updates toand/or reading previously stored updates of assets that are implementedas smart contracts on a decentralized database, in accordance with oneor more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured for writing updates to and/orreading previously stored updates of assets that are implemented assmart contracts on a decentralized database 144, in accordance with oneor more implementations. In some implementations, system 100 may includeone or more servers 102, one or more client computing devices 104, oneor more decentralized databases 144, one or more content-addressablefile systems 105, one or more user interfaces 146, one or more externalresources 128, and/or other components. Server(s) 102 may be configuredto communicate with one or more client computing devices 104 accordingto a client/server architecture and/or other architectures. Clientcomputing device(s) 104 may be configured to communicate with otherclient computing devices via server(s) 102 and/or according to apeer-to-peer architecture and/or other architectures. Users may accesssystem 100 via client computing device(s) 104. The users may include afirst user, a second user, a third user, and so forth. Individual clientcomputing devices 104 may be associated with individual users. Forexample, a first client computing device 104 may be associated with thefirst user, a second client computing device 104 may be associated withthe second user, and so forth. Individual user interfaces 146 may beassociated with individual users. For example, a first user interface146 may be associated with the first user, a second user interface 146may be associated with the second user, and so forth. Individual userinterfaces 146 may be associated with individual client computingdevices 104. For example, a first user interface 146 may be associatedwith the first client computing devices 104, a second user interface 146may be associated with the second client computing devices 104, and soforth. In some implementations, user access to system 100 may befacilitated through individual user accounts that are associated withindividual users.

In some implementations, decentralized database 144 be configured tofacilitate sharing information among users in different physicallocations, using different computing devices and/or platforms.Decentralized database 144 may be configured to facilitate sharingcontrol and/or hosting responsibilities of shared information amongmultiple users, e.g., to prevent a single point of failure.

Ledgers may produce a secure record or registry of ownership of assets,transactions, and other information. In some implementations,decentralized database 144 may include a ledger. In someimplementations, a ledger may be implemented as a database, such asdecentralized database 144. For example, a blockchain is a type ofledger, as well as a type of decentralized database that stores aregistry of assets and transactions. Blockchain technology may be usedfor cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and/or other applications for adecentralized database. In some implementations, decentralized database144 may include and/or implement a blockchain. In some implementations,decentralized database 144 may be configured to store a registry ofassets, transactions, and/or other information. Individual assets and/orsmart contracts stored on decentralized database 144 may be accessiblethrough individual addresses.

In some implementations, decentralized database 144 may store a registryof assets and transactions across one or more networks 13, including butnot limited to the internet and/or other networks. Assets may be ownedby users. An asset may include anything of material value or usefulnessthat is owned by or on behalf of a person or company, according to someimplementations. A right pertaining to an object may be an asset, theobject being a physical or a virtual item. Multiple rights may form aset of rights or a bundle of rights that may be transferred and/orotherwise acted on or operated on together. For example, rights mayinclude a right to use, a right to sell, a right to destroy, and/orother rights. Tokens are a type of asset. In some implementations,tokens may include one or more of security tokens, utility tokens,payment tokens, initial coin offering (ICO) tokens, virtual currencytokens, crypto tokens, ERC-20 tokens, EOS tokens, and/or other tokens.In some implementations, tokens not only represent value, but may have aspecific use in a particular distributed computing platform, e.g., inthe operation of decentralized database 144.

In some implementations, decentralized database 144 may record ownershipof assets. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, decentralized database144 may record transactions that modify ownership of assets. A smartcontract may be a type of asset. In some implementations, certain typesof assets may be implemented as smart contracts on decentralizeddatabase 144. For example, a particular smart contract may implement aparticular asset such that the particular asset's value is definedwithin the particular smart contract. For example, a particular smartcontract may implement a particular asset such that the particularasset's ownership is defined within the particular smart contract.

In some implementations, operations and/or transactions involving theseassets may be implemented as function calls to a smart contract. Forexample, a user may invoke a particular operation and/or transaction bytransferring an amount of consideration to a particular addressassociated with a particular smart contract such that decentralizeddatabase 144 executes the particular operation and/or transaction. Insome implementations, decentralized database 144 may be configured tointeroperate with components external to decentralized database 144,including but not limited to content-addressable file system 105 and/orother components. For example, assets recorded on decentralized database144 may be configured to invoke executable code (or effectuate theinvocation of executable code) that is executed external todecentralized database 144. For example, a particular asset may use anexternal function call to execute code externally to decentralizeddatabase 144 that returns a value and/or object to the code of theparticular asset. Through such a mechanism less code may need to beexecuted on decentralized database 144, which may increase efficiencyand/or speed, decrease cost, and/or both.

In some implementations, once a smart contract has been added todecentralized database 144, the smart contract may be referred to aspublished, posted, and/or recorded. In some implementations, elements ofdecentralized database 144 may be grouped together in units that arereferred to as blocks. Individual blocks may be linked or chainedtogether to form a structure of blocks and/or a hierarchy of blocks,such as, e.g., a chain of blocks. An individual block may include one ormore assets and one or more transactions. In some implementations,elements of decentralized database 144 may be linked together in amanner that prevents tampering, such as, e.g., a hash chain. Individualelements and/or transactions may be linked or chained together to form astructure and/or a hierarchy of elements and/or transactions.

In some implementations, decentralized database 144 may be publiclyaccessible and append-only. In some implementations, existing blocks ofdecentralized database 144 can substantially not be altered or deleted,unless multiple copies of the database are altered. This may be unlikelyto happen provided that multiple copies and/or versions of the databaseare stored on different computing platforms, e.g., in differentgeographical locations. In some implementations, decentralized database144 may be replicated on multiple computing platforms, preferably inmultiple different geographical locations. As used herein, the term“distributed” refers to multiple computing platforms located in multipleseparate and distinct geographical locations operating together toprovide particular functionality, such as, e.g., in the case of aparticular distributed database, the functionality of a blockchain.

Server(s) 102 may be configured by machine-readable instructions 106.Machine-readable instructions 106 may include one or more instructioncomponents. The instruction components may include computer programcomponents. The instruction components may include one or more ofrequest receiving component 108, request transferring component 110,reference receiving component 112, file generating component 114, filestoring component 116, recording component 118, file obtaining component120, extraction component 122, object instantiation component 124,contents verification component 126, and/or other instructioncomponents.

Request receiving component 108 may be configured to receive requestsfrom client computing devices 104. The requests may include readrequests, write requests, and/or other requests pertaining to particularassets of decentralized database 144. In some implementations, therequests may include a first request, a second request, a third request,and/or other requests. In some implementations, individual requests mayinvolve reading, writing, modifying and/or deleting the state of anasset. Assets may have state, including but not limited to the values ofconstants, variables, data structures, and/or other informationassociated with the assets. The state of assets may include permanentinformation that cannot be modified by users and non-permanentinformation that can be modified by (at least some of the) users. Forexample, a first asset may have a first state, a second asset may have asecond state, a third asset may have a third state, and so forth. Insome implementations, the state for different types of assets mayinclude different types of information. The state of assets may includeand/or refer to a list of file identifiers, file addresses, deviceidentifiers, device addresses, object identifiers, and/or otheridentifiers or addresses that list and/or identify computing devicesand/or objects within system 100.

In some implementations, request receiving component 108 may beconfigured to receive a request to write information, e.g. an update, toa particular asset. In some implementations, request receiving component108 may be configured to receive a request to read information, e.g.,one or more previously stored updates, of a particular asset. Forexample, in some implementations, a request to write an update to aparticular asset may be a request to write an update to all or some ofthe state of the particular asset (wherever it may be stored and/orrecorded). For example, in some implementations, a request to read oneor more previously stored updates of a particular asset may be a requestto read all or some of the state of the particular asset (wherever itmay be stored and/or recorded).

In some implementations, the state of an asset may include a referenceto a file on a file system external to decentralized database 144,including but not limited to content-addressable file system 105. Insome implementations, such a reference may be a hash value that isgenerated by hashing some or all of the state of the referenced file. Insome implementations, the address of the referenced file oncontent-addressable file system 105 may include (or otherwise be basedon) a hash value that is generated by hashing some of the contents ofthe referenced file or all of the contents of the referenced file. Insome implementations, all or some of the information included in thereferenced file may form part of the state of a particular asset. Insome implementations, all or some of the information included in thereferenced file may be executable code, such as code executable bydecentralized database 144. The particular state of a particular assetmay include one or more of information recorded on decentralizeddatabase 144, information stored in content-addressable file system 105,and/or other information. In some implementations, content-addressablefile system 105 may be the Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS). Forexample, a particular file stored on content-addressable file system 105may be accessed by an address that include a hash value that isgenerated by hashing all or some of the content of the particular file.This approach to generating addresses for files on content-addressablefile system 105 may prevent and/or reduce duplication of informationand/or files on the file system. This approach may prevent and/or reducemodifications and/or tampering with the contents of stored files, sinceany user reading a file can easily verify whether its contents matchesits address. In particular, hash values may be generated usingfixed-output-length one-way hashing functions that take variable-lengthinput, and may be effectively impossible (or, at least, computationallyinfeasible) to reverse. As such, a hashing function may provide one-wayencryption. By way of non-limiting example, the hashing function may beSHA-256, BLAKE2, SHAKE256, and/or another hashing function.

In some implementations, files stored on content-addressable file system105 may be linked together to form a structure of files and/or ahierarchy of files, such as, e.g., a chain of files. For example, anoriginal version of a particular file may have a first address, and asubsequent version of the particular file may include a reference (suchas a link to the first address) to the original version of theparticular file. The subsequent version may have a second address. Next,an even newer version of the particular file may include a reference(such as a link to the second address) to the preceding version of theparticular file. Once a user (or a component of system 100) is providedwith the address of a particular version of the particular file, theuser (or the component of system 100) can recursively obtain previousversions of the particular file as well, by following thereferences/links until the original version is reached. In someimplementations, the state of a particular asset recorded ondecentralized database 144 may include multiple references to files oncontent-addressable file system 105. In some implementations, the stateof a particular asset recorded on decentralized database 144 may onlyneed to include a reference to the most recent file (or most recentversion of a file and/or asset) in a list or chain of files oncontent-addressable file system 105, since previously stored files canbe retrieved through stored links and/or references that are extractedfrom the contents of obtained files. Alternatively, and/orsimultaneously, references to previously stored files can be retrievedthrough analyzing historical transactions of a particular asset ondecentralized database 144, since individual updates may effectuaterecording particular file references on decentralized database 144, inparticular in a predetermined field or address of the particular asset.

In some implementations, request receiving component 108 may beconfigured to receive requests through one or more applications, such asan external authentication application, a client application, and/oranother application. In some implementations, such applications may beconfigured to be executed on client computing devices 104. In someimplementations, such applications may be configured to interact with(executable code that is executed on) decentralized database 144. Insome implementations, such applications may be configured to interactwith content-addressable file system 105. In some implementations,individual client computing platforms 104 may be associated with one ormore cryptographic keys. For example, a particular computing device maybe associated with a key pair of device-specific cryptographic keys thatincludes a public cryptographic key and a private cryptographic key tofacilitate public-private key encryption and decryption (including butnot limited to creating digital signatures). For example, individualdevice-specific private encryption keys may be stored securely onindividual client computing devices 104. Alternatively, and/orsimultaneously, individual user accounts may be associated with adifferent key pair of user-specific cryptographic keys that includes apublic cryptographic key and a private cryptographic key to facilitatepublic-private key encryption and decryption (including but not limitedto creating digital signatures). For example, individual user-specificprivate encryption keys may be stored securely on an external server orelsewhere. In some implementations, a particular device identifierand/or a particular device address may be based on and/or created byusing one or more cryptographic keys of a particular key pair. In someimplementations, a particular request received by request receivingcomponent 108 through an external application may include a digitalsignature created by, e.g., a device-specific cryptographic key. Forexample, the origin of the particular request may be traced back to aparticular client computing device. In some implementations, aparticular request received by request receiving component 108 throughan external application may include a digital signature created by auser-specific cryptographic key. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously,in some implementations, particular generated information generated byfile generating component 114 may include a digital signature created bya user-specific cryptographic key. For example, the origin of aparticular update request or generated update may be traced back to aparticular user. In some implementations, a particular request receivedby request receiving component 108 through an external application mayinclude one or more digital signatures created by using both adevice-specific cryptographic key and a user-specific cryptographic key.A digital signature created by using both a device-specificcryptographic key and a user-specific cryptographic key may be referredto as a multi-signature.

Request transferring component 110 may be configured to transferrequests to decentralized database 144. In some implementations, requesttransferring component 110 may be configured to transfer a particularrequest from server 102 to decentralized database 144. In someimplementations, request transferring component 110 may be configured totransfer a particular request from client computing device 104 todecentralized database 144. In some implementations, a particularrequest may identify a particular asset recorded on decentralizeddatabase 144. In some implementations, transferring a request todecentralized database 144 may be implemented as calling and/orotherwise invoking a function of a particular asset. In someimplementations, transferring a request to decentralized database 144may be implemented as calling and/or otherwise invoking a function ondecentralized database 144 with an input or reference to a particularasset. In some implementations, a request to decentralized database 144may include information, such as a particular update for a particularasset. For example, the particular update may modify the current valueof a particular parameter of the particular asset. For example, theparticular update may modify certain state of the particular asset. Forexample, all or some of the particular update may be recorded ondecentralized database 144, stored on content-addressable file system105, and/or stored elsewhere.

Reference receiving component 112 may be configured to receiveinformation from other components of system 100, including but notlimited to information from decentralized database 144. The receivedinformation may include, but is not limited to, references, and/or otherinformation. In some implementations, reference receiving component 112may be configured to receive references responsive to transfers ofrequests such as, e.g., by request transferring component 110. In someimplementations, a received reference may refer to a file. For example,a particular reference may refer to a particular file oncontent-addressable file system 105. In some implementations, a receivedreference may include and/or be part of an address of a particular file.In some implementations, a received reference may include and/or be partof a location of a particular file. In some implementations, receivedinformation may refer to one or more files, e.g., files stored oncontent-addressable file system 105.

File generating component 114 may be configured to generate files,references to files, and/or other information. Generated information mayinclude information received from request receiving component 108 and/orany other component of system 100. For example, particular generatedinformation may include an update included in a particular writerequest. In some implementations, particular generated information mayinclude information included in the state of a particular asset. In someimplementations, the contents of a generated file may include and/or bebased on the update included in a write request, a reference to a file(e.g., a reference received from reference receiving component 112, suchas, by way of non-limiting example, an address of a file stored incontent-addressable file system 105, a hash value generated by hashingcertain information, a time stamp, etc.), and/or other information. Insome implementations, the contents of a generated file may include thestate of an asset, the contents of another file (e.g., a file stored incontent-addressable file system 105), a hash value generated by hashingcertain information, a time stamp, one or more digital signatures,and/or other information. In some implementations, the contents of agenerated file may include an identifier that identifies the particularclient computing device 104 that originated a particular write request.In some implementations, the contents of a generated file may include adigital signature based on a device-specific cryptographic key, a publicaddress associated with a particular user (e.g., the public address ofan electronic wallet associated with the particular user), a name and/oridentifier of the particular user, one or more time stamps (e.g., thetime stamp of the moment a particular user account was created), anidentifier of the algorithm and/or hashing function used to create thedigital signature, and/or other information.

In some implementations, file generating component 114 may be configuredto validate and/or verify whether particular generated information isauthentic, permitted, and/or consistent with other information, such aspreviously stored updates.

File storing component 116 may be configured to store files on filesystems, including but not limited to content-addressable file system105. The particular location and/or address for storage may be based ona generated and/or received reference. In some implementations, theparticular location and/or address for storing a particular file may bebased on the contents of the particular file. For example, the contentsof a particular file may be used as an input to a hash function and/orthe output of a hash function may be used as the address of theparticular file on content-addressable file system 105. In someimplementations, file storing component 116 may be configured tovalidate and/or verify whether particular stored files or storedinformation is authentic, permitted, and/or consistent with otherinformation, such as previously stored updates.

Recording component 118 may be configured to record information ondecentralized database 144. Recorded information may include refences(e.g., to files), state of an asset, files, and/or other information.For example, particular recorded information may include particularstate of a particular asset. For example, particular recordedinformation may include a particular reference included in the state ofa particular asset. For example, particular recorded information mayinclude an asset and/or a smart contract. For example, particularrecorded information may represent a transaction on decentralizeddatabase 144. In some implementations, recording information ondecentralized database 144 may include verifying and/or validatingwhether the user and/or client computing device requesting to record theinformation has permission to do so. In some implementations, recordingcomponent 118 may be configured to provide one or more digitalsignatures when recording information on decentralized database 144. Insome implementations, one or more of the digital signatures may be usedto verify and/or validate whether a particular update is authenticand/or permitted. In some implementations, one or more of the digitalsignatures may be used in the future to trace particular updates back toparticular client computing devices 104 and/or particular users. In someimplementations, recording component 118 may be configured to validateand/or verify whether particular recorded information is authentic,permitted, and/or consistent with other information, such as previouslystored updates. For example, the contents of recorded information (orinformation referenced thereby) may be validated and/or verified by codethat is executed on decentralized database 144 (e.g., by on-chainfunctions that can access content-addressable file system 105).Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, all or some of such validationand/or verification may be performed external to decentralized database144, e.g., on client computing device 104. In some implementations, partof such validation and/or verification may be performed after particularupdates have been written to assets on decentralized database 144, orafter previously stored updated have been read. For example, one or moredigital signatures (or multi-signatures) related to a particular requestmay have been recorded on decentralized database 144 for futurereference (e.g., validation and/or verification). For example, system100 may verify whether a particular client computing device hadpermission to update a particular asset on decentralized database 144.Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, system 100 may verify whether aparticular user was properly authenticated and/or permitted to updatethe particular asset on decentralized database 144.

File obtaining component 120 may be configured to obtain files from filesystems, including but not limited to content-addressable file system105. In some implementations, obtainment of a particular file may bebased on a particular reference, including but not limited to receivedreferences, generated references, and/or other references. Fileobtaining component 120 may be configured to perform active obtainment(such as, e.g., downloading a file), passive obtainment (such as, e.g.,a file being pushed to file obtaining component 120), and/or other typesof obtainment.

Extraction component 122 may be configured to extract information fromfiles. For example, extraction component 122 may perform analysis on thecontents of one or more files to determine and/or otherwise extractinformation. For example, extraction component 122 may be configured toextract, from a particular file or a particular asset, a reference toanother file, e.g., on content-addressable file system 105. In someimplementations, extraction component 122 may be configured to extractand/or determine whether a particular file includes a file reference toanother file. For example, a particular type of asset may include aparticular address and/or field that may refer to linked information(e.g., a linked asset, a linked file, and/or other linked information),or that may refer to nothing/null (i.e., not another file or asset).Extraction component 112 may perform analysis on a particular asset todetermine whether its particular included address and/or field refers toany linked information. In some implementations, system 100 may beconfigured to repeatedly and/or recursively extract and/or determineinformation, starting with a particular file, that indicates whether thecontents of the particular file refers to another file or anotherversion of the particular file, and if so, obtain the referenced file tocontinue until no more files are referenced.

Contents verification component 126 may be configured to perform one ormore types of verifications on assets, files, and/or references tofiles. One type of verification may verify whether an asset is owned bya particular user. One type of verification may verify whether a fileincludes particular content, such as a particular link. One type ofverification may verify whether the contents of a particular fileproduces a particular hash value when hashed. One type of verificationmay verify whether a particular reference refers to a particular file,or any file. One type of verification may verify whether a particularreference corresponds to the contents of a particular file. For example,verifications may include comparisons of different values, comparisonswith threshold levels, extractions and/or analysis by extractioncomponent 122, and/or other determinations. In some implementations, onetype of verification may verify whether the particular reference and/orhash value included in a read or write request corresponds to areference or a hash value in a particular asset. In someimplementations, one type of verification may verify whether theparticular reference and/or hash value included in a referenced filecorresponds to a reference or a hash value stored on decentralizeddatabase 144.

Object instantiation component 124 may be configured to store, ondecentralized database 144, code executable by decentralized database144. By way of non-limiting example, one or more sets of code may beexecutable by a blockchain. In some implementations, one or more sets ofcode may be configured to instantiate and/or deploy objects, assets,smart contracts, and/or other entities that include executable code. Forexample, a particular set of code may be configured to instantiateand/or deploy objects and/or assets in one or more of decentralizeddatabase 144, a blockchain included in and/or implemented bydecentralized database 144, a distributed computing platform maintainedby a blockchain, a runtime environment for smart contracts and otherapplications on a blockchain, and/or a code space. In someimplementations, individual instantiated objects may be identified byindividual object identifiers. In some implementations, instantiatedobjects and/or assets may include multiple classes of different types ofobjects and/or assets. In some implementations, a particular type ofinstantiated object and/or asset may be an organization object, asdescribed in incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,412,086. In someimplementations, a particular type of object and/or asset may be anorganization-controlled asset object, as described in incorporated U.S.Pat. No. 10,412,086. By way of non-limiting example, instantiatedobjects may include a first object, a second object, a third object,etc., a first organization object, a second organization object, a thirdorganization object, etc., a first organization-controlled asset object,a second organization-controlled asset object, a thirdorganization-controlled asset object, etc.

In some implementations, instantiated objects and/or assets may havestate, including but not limited to the values of constants, variables,data structures, and/or other information associated with the objectsand/or assets. In some implementations, the state for different types ofobjects and/or assets may include different types of information. Forexample, the state of objects and/or assets may include and/or refer toa list of device identifiers, device addresses, object identifiers,asset identifiers, and/or other identifiers that list and/or identifycomputing devices that are permitted to take certain actions, includingbut not limited to modifying states of objects and/or assets. Forexample, the first organization-object state of a first organizationobject may include a list of device addresses that identify computingdevices that are permitted to make certain modifications to the firstorganization-object state (such as, e.g., write an update to the stateof an asset). For example, the second organization-object state of asecond organization object may include a list of device addresses thatidentify computing devices that are permitted to make certainmodifications to the second organization-object state, and so forth. Forexample, the first organization-controlled asset object state of a firstorganization-controlled asset object may include a reference to a listof device addresses that identify computing devices that are permittedto make certain modifications to the first organization-controlled assetobject state (such as, e.g., write an update to the state of an asset).For example, the second organization-controlled asset object state of asecond organization-controlled asset object may include a reference(e.g., a link) to a list of device addresses that identify computingdevices that are permitted to make certain modifications to the secondorganization-controlled asset object state, and so forth. In somepreferred embodiments, such a reference may be an object identifier,such as an organization object identifier that identifies anorganization object. For example, the reference included in the secondorganization-controlled asset object state may refer to the firstorganization object identifier, such that a change in the list ofpermitted devices for the first organization object may imply the samechange in the set of computing devices that are permitted to makecertain modifications to the first organization-controlled asset objectstate.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplarytransactional diagram 40 of actions and transactions performed in system100. The depicted transaction in transactional diagram 40 representswriting an update to a particular asset that is recorded ondecentralized database 144, and is initiated by a write request 41 fromclient computing device 104 to decentralized database 144. Subsequent towrite request 41, client computing device 104 receives a file reference42 from decentralized database 144. File reference 42 refers to a fileon content-addressable file system 105. Subsequent to receipt of filereference 42, file content 43 is generated and stored oncontent-addressable file system 105, at a particular address that isindicated by a file reference 44. In some implementations,content-addressable file system 105 may provide file reference 44 toclient computing device 104. Alternatively, in some implementations,client computing device 104 may have generated file reference 44locally. Subsequent to generating and/or receiving file reference 44,client computing device 104 may perform an action indicated by recordreference 45 in FIG. 4, which effectuates recording a particular filereference on decentralized database 144, in particular in a field oraddress of the particular asset.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplarytransactional diagram 50 of actions and transactions performed in system100. The depicted transaction in transactional diagram 50 representsreading one or more previously stored updates of a particular asset thatis recorded on decentralized database 144, and is initiated by a readrequest 51 from client computing device 104 to decentralized database144. Subsequent to read request 51, client computing device 104 receivesa file reference 52 from decentralized database 144. File reference 52refers to a file on content-addressable file system 105 (e.g., thelatest version of the particular asset). Subsequent to receipt of filereference 52, client computing device 104 accesses content-addressablefile system 105 through a file request 53. Subsequently,content-addressable file system 105 responds with file content 54, whichis analyzed by client computing device 104 to perform an actionindicated by extract reference 55 in FIG. 5. As depicted, the extractedreference refers to another version of the particular asset oncontent-addressable file system 105, which is retrieved by a filerequest 53 a. Subsequently, content-addressable file system 105 respondswith file content 54 a, which is in turn analyzed by client computingdevice 104 to extract reference 55 a in FIG. 5. As depicted, theextracted reference 55 a refers to another version of the particularasset on content-addressable file system 105, which is retrieved by afile request 53 b. Subsequently, content-addressable file system 105responds with file content 54 b, which is in turn analyzed by clientcomputing device 104 to extract reference 55 b in FIG. 5. As depicted,the files referenced by file request 53, file request 53, file request53 b, and/or other files may form a linked chain of order versions ofthe same particular asset. For example, the link may end at an originalversion (having file content 54 x, from which no additional referencecan be extracted, since it refers to a null reference 55 x, as depictedin FIG. 5. Reading the history of a particular asset may include readinga linked chain of ordered versions of the particular asset, e.g.,starting at the most recent version and working back to the originalversion.

User interfaces 146 may be configured to facilitate interaction betweenusers and system 100 and/or between users and client computing platforms104. For example, user interfaces 146 may provide an interface throughwhich users may provide information to and/or receive information fromsystem 100. In some implementations, individual user interfaces 146 mayinclude one or more of a display screen, touchscreen, monitor, akeyboard, buttons, switches, knobs, levers, mouse, microphones, sensorsto capture voice commands, sensors to capture body movement, sensors tocapture hand and/or finger gestures, and/or other user interface devicesconfigured to receive and/or convey user input. In some implementations,a user may enter write requests (or information that forms the basisfora write request) as described herein, as may be received by requestreceiving component 108. In some implementations, a user may enter readrequests (or information that forms the basis for a write request) asdescribed herein, as may be received by request receiving component 108.In some implementations, a user may be provided with informationresulting from a particular read request, such as the contents of one ormore previously stored updates of a particular asset. In someimplementations, one or more user interfaces 146 may be included in oneor more client computing platforms 104. In some implementations, one ormore user interfaces 146 may be included in system 100.

In some implementations, an individual asset may be accessible throughan individual address on decentralized database 144. In someimplementations, the individual asset may be associated with a physicalobject. The physical object may include scannable information, such as aQR code, which may refer to the individual address of the individualasset on decentralized database 144. Based on the individual address,the history of the individual asset may be retrieved and provided to auser, e.g., on user interface 146. In some implementations, individualupdates in this history may be verified and/or validated by comparingtheir respective addresses on content-addressable file system 105 withthe contents of the corresponding individual updates. Accordingly, theuser may trust the provided information.

In some implementations, server(s) 102, client computing device(s) 104,and/or external resources 128 may be operatively linked via one or moreelectronic communication links. For example, such electroniccommunication links may be established, at least in part, via one ormore networks 13 such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will beappreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scopeof this disclosure includes implementations in which server(s) 102,client computing device(s) 104, and/or external resources 128 may beoperatively linked via some other communication media.

A given client computing device 104 may include one or more processorsconfigured to execute computer program components. The computer programcomponents may be configured to enable an expert or user associated withthe given client computing device 104 to interface with system 100and/or external resources 128, and/or provide other functionalityattributed herein to client computing device(s) 104. By way ofnon-limiting example, the given client computing device 104 may includeone or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheldcomputer, a tablet computing platform, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a gamingconsole, and/or other computing platforms.

External resources 128 may include sources of information outside ofsystem 100, external entities participating with system 100, and/orother resources. In some implementations, external resources 128 mayinclude one or more applications. Individual ones of the one or moreapplications may include applications external to decentralized database144, content-addressable file system 105, and/or other components ofsystem 100. The applications may include one or more of a userauthentication application, a device authentication application, aclient application, and/or other applications. The applications may beconfigured to be executed on client computing devices 104. In someimplementations, the applications may be configured to interact with(executable code that is executed on) decentralized database 144. Insome implementations, the applications may be configured to interactwith content-addressable file system 105.

In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributedhereinto external resources 128 may be provided by resources included insystem 100.

Server(s) 102 may include electronic storage 130, one or more processors132, and/or other components. Server(s) 102 may include communicationlines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a networkand/or other computing platforms. Illustration of server(s) 102 in FIG.1 is not intended to be limiting. Server(s) 102 may include a pluralityof hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together toprovide the functionality attributed herein to server(s) 102. Forexample, server(s) 102 may be implemented by a cloud of computingplatforms operating together as server(s) 102.

Electronic storage 130 may comprise non-transitory storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 130 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server(s)102 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server(s)102 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.)or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 130 mayinclude one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., opticaldisks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape,magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-basedstorage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media(e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storagemedia. Electronic storage 130 may include one or more virtual storageresources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or othervirtual storage resources). Electronic storage 130 may store softwarealgorithms, information determined by processor(s) 132, informationreceived from server(s) 102, information received from client computingdevice(s) 104, and/or other information that enables server(s) 102 tofunction as described herein.

Processor(s) 132 may be configured to provide information processingcapabilities in server(s) 102. As such, processor(s) 132 may include oneor more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuitdesigned to process information, an analog circuit designed to processinformation, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronicallyprocessing information. Although processor(s) 132 is shown in FIG. 1 asa single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In someimplementations, processor(s) 132 may include a plurality of processingunits. These processing units may be physically located within the samedevice, or processor(s) 132 may represent processing functionality of aplurality of devices operating in coordination. Processor(s) 132 may beconfigured to execute components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122,124, and/or 126, and/or other components. Processor(s) 132 may beconfigured to execute components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122,124, and/or 126, and/or other components by software; hardware;firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware;and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities onprocessor(s) 132. As used herein, the term “component” may refer to anycomponent or set of components that perform the functionality attributedto the component. This may include one or more physical processorsduring execution of processor readable instructions, the processorreadable instructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any othercomponents.

It should be appreciated that although components 108, 110, 112, 114,116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and/or 126 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as beingimplemented within a single processing unit, in implementations in whichprocessor(s) 132 includes multiple processing units, one or more ofcomponents 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and/or 126 maybe implemented remotely from the other components. The description ofthe functionality provided by the different components 108, 110, 112,114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and/or 126 described below is forillustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any ofcomponents 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and/or 126 mayprovide more or less functionality than is described. For example, oneor more of components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124,and/or 126 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality maybe provided by other ones of components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118,120, 122, 124, and/or 126. As another example, processor(s) 132 may beconfigured to execute one or more additional components that may performsome or all of the functionality attributed below to one of components108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and/or 126.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate methods 200 and 300 for writing updates to andreading previously stored updates of assets that are implemented assmart contracts on a decentralized database, in accordance with one ormore implementations. The operations of methods 200-300 presented beloware intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, methods200-300 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations notdescribed, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed.Additionally, the order in which the operations of methods 200-300 areillustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and described below is not intended to belimiting.

In some implementations, methods 200-300 may be implemented in one ormore processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor,a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of methods 200-300 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of methods 200-300.

Regarding method 200, an operation 202 may include receiving a firstrequest, from a first client computing device associated with a firstuser, to write a first update to an individual asset. The individualasset may have a state. The state may include a first reference to afirst file on a content-addressable file system. Information included inthe first file forms part of the state of the individual asset.Operation 202 may be performed by one or more hardware processorsconfigured by machine-readable instructions including a component thatis the same as or similar to request receiving component 108, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 204 may include transferring the first request to thedecentralized database. Operation 204 may be performed by one or morehardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to requesttransferring component 110, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

An operation 206 may include receiving the first reference from thedecentralized database, responsive to transferring the first request.The first reference may refer to the first file on thecontent-addressable file system. Operation 206 may be performed by oneor more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to referencereceiving component 112, in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 208 may include generating a second file and a secondreference. Contents of the second file may include the first update andthe first reference to the first file. The second reference may refer tothe second file on the content-addressable file system. Operation 208may be performed by one or more hardware processors configured bymachine-readable instructions including a component that is the same asor similar to file generating component 114, in accordance with one ormore implementations.

An operation 210 may include storing the second file on thecontent-addressable file system. Storage may be based on the secondreference. Operation 210 may be performed by one or more hardwareprocessors configured by machine-readable instructions including acomponent that is the same as or similar to file storing component 116,in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 212 may include recording the second reference in the stateof the individual asset on the decentralized database. Operation 212 maybe performed by one or more hardware processors configured bymachine-readable instructions including a component that is the same asor similar to recording component 118, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

Regarding method 300, an operation 302 may include receiving a firstrequest, from a first client computing device associated with a firstuser, to read one or more previously stored updates of an individualasset that is implemented as a smart contract on a decentralizeddatabase. The individual asset may have a state. The state may include afirst reference to a first file on a content-addressable file system.Information included in the first file forms part of the state of theindividual asset. Operation 302 may be performed by one or more hardwareprocessors configured by machine-readable instructions including acomponent that is the same as or similar to request receiving component108, in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 304 may include transferring the first request to thedecentralized database. Operation 304 may be performed by one or morehardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to requesttransferring component 110, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

An operation 306 may include receiving the first reference from thedecentralized database, responsive to transferring the first request.The first reference may refer to the first file on thecontent-addressable file system. Operation 306 may be performed by oneor more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to referencereceiving component 112, in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 308 may include obtaining the referenced file, from thecontent-addressable file system. Operation 308 may be performed by oneor more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to file obtainingcomponent 120, in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 310 may include extracting a previous-file reference fromthe obtained file. Operation 310 may be performed by one or morehardware processors configured by machine-readable instructionsincluding a component that is the same as or similar to extractioncomponent 122, in accordance with one or more implementations.

An operation 312 may include determining whether the extractedprevious-file reference refers to a file on the content-addressable filesystem. Operation 312 may be performed by one or more hardwareprocessors configured by machine-readable instructions including one ormore components that are the same as or similar to extraction component122 and/or contents verification component 126, in accordance with oneor more implementations. Responsive to a determination that theextracted previous-file reference refers to another file, method 300 maycontinue with operation 308. Responsive to a determination that theextracted previous-file reference does not refer to another file, method300 may end.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured for writing updates to and/orreading previously stored updates of assets that are implemented assmart contracts on a decentralized database, wherein the assets includean individual asset that has a state, the system comprising: one or morehardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:receive a first request, from a first client computing device associatedwith a user, to write a first update to the individual asset; transferthe first request to the decentralized database, wherein the firstrequest is to write the first update to the individual asset, whereinthe state of the individual asset is stored on the decentralizeddatabase and on a content-addressable file system; responsive totransferring the first request, receive a first reference to a firstfile from the decentralized database, wherein the first reference isincluded in the state of the individual asset, wherein the firstreference refers to the first file, wherein the first file is stored onthe content-addressable file system, wherein information included in thefirst file forms part of the state of the individual asset, wherein thefirst reference includes a hash value that is generated by hashing someor all of the first file; generate a second file and a second reference,wherein contents of the second file includes the first update and thefirst reference to the first file, wherein the second reference refersto the second file on the content-addressable file system, wherein thesecond reference includes a second hash value that is generated byhashing some or all of the second file; store the second file on thecontent-addressable file system, wherein storage is based on the secondreference; and record the second reference in the state of theindividual asset on the decentralized database.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured bymachine-readable instructions to: obtain the first file from thecontent-addressable file system, based on the first reference; whereinan address of the first file on the content-addressable file systemincludes a hash value that is generated by hashing some contents of thefirst file or all of the contents of the first file.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are furtherconfigured by machine-readable instructions to: obtain the first filefrom the content-addressable file system, based on the first reference;and verify whether contents of the first file corresponds to the firstreference.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardwareprocessors are further configured by machine-readable instructions to:obtain the first file from the content-addressable file system, based onthe first reference; wherein the contents of the second file is based oncontents of the first file.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontent-addressable file system is the Inter-Planetary File System. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the decentralized database is ablockchain.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the contents of the secondfile include a device identifier that identifies the first clientcomputing device and a digital signature that is based on auser-specific cryptographic key, wherein the user-specific cryptographickey is associated with a user account of the user, and wherein recordingthe second reference includes verifying whether the first clientcomputing device has permission for recording the second reference. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors arefurther configured by machine-readable instructions to: receive a secondrequest, from the first client computing device associated with theuser, to read one or more previously stored updates to the individualasset; transfer the second request to the decentralized database;responsive to transferring the second request, receive the firstreference from the decentralized database, wherein the first referencerefers to the first file on the content-addressable file system; obtainthe first file from the content-addressable file system, based on thefirst reference; extract a previous-file reference from the first file;responsive to the previous-file reference referring to a particular fileon the content-addressable file system, obtain the particular file, andextract the previous-file reference therefrom repeatedly until theprevious-file reference no longer refers to another file on thecontent-addressable file system; and present information from theobtained first file and the obtained particular file through a userinterface to the user.
 9. A method for writing updates to and/or readingpreviously stored updates of assets that are implemented as smartcontracts on a decentralized database, wherein the assets include anindividual asset that has a state, the method comprising: receiving afirst request, from a first client computing device associated with auser, to write a first update to an individual asset; transferring thefirst request to the decentralized database, wherein the first requestis to write the first update to the individual asset, wherein the stateof the individual asset is stored on the decentralized database and on acontent-addressable file system; responsive to transferring the firstrequest, receiving a first reference to a first file from thedecentralized database, wherein the first reference is included in thestate of the individual asset, wherein the first reference refers to thefirst file, wherein the first file is stored on the content-addressablefile system, wherein information included in the first file forms partof the state of the individual asset, wherein the first referenceincludes a hash value that is generated by hashing some or all of thefirst file; generating a second file and a second reference, whereincontents of the second file includes the first update and the firstreference to the first file, wherein the second reference refers to thesecond file on the content-addressable file system, wherein the secondreference includes a second hash value that is generated by hashing someor all of the second file; storing the second file on thecontent-addressable file system, wherein storage is based on the secondreference; and recording the second reference in the state of theindividual asset on the decentralized database.
 10. The method of claim9, further comprising: obtaining the first file from thecontent-addressable file system, based on the first reference; whereinan address of the first file on the content-addressable file systemincludes a hash value that is generated by hashing some contents of thefirst file or all of the contents of the first file.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising: obtaining the first file from thecontent-addressable file system, based on the first reference; andverifying whether contents of the first file corresponds to the firstreference.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: obtaining thefirst file from the content-addressable file system, based on the firstreference; wherein the contents of the second file is based on contentsof the first file.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein thecontent-addressable file system is the Inter-Planetary File System. 14.The method of claim 9, wherein the decentralized database is ablockchain.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the contents of thesecond file include a device identifier that identifies the first clientcomputing device and a digital signature that is based on auser-specific cryptographic key, wherein the user-specific cryptographickey is associated with a user account of the user, and wherein recordingthe second reference includes verifying whether the first clientcomputing device has permission for recording the second reference. 16.The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving a second request,from the first client computing device associated with the user, to readone or more previously stored updates to the individual asset;transferring the second request to the decentralized database;responsive to transferring the second request, receiving the firstreference from the decentralized database, wherein the first referencerefers to the first file on the content-addressable file system;obtaining the first file from the content-addressable file system, basedon the first reference; extracting a previous-file reference from thefirst file; responsive to the previous-file reference referring to aparticular file on the content-addressable file system, obtaining theparticular file, and extract the previous-file reference therefromrepeatedly until the previous-file reference no longer refers to anotherfile on the content-addressable file system; and presenting informationfrom the obtained first file and the obtained particular file through auser interface to the user.